Segmented Retention Closure

ABSTRACT

A segmented retention closure forms a lid that detachably attaches to a container for holding and orienting an item, such as debris, a gardening tool, a baseball, and a string of lights. The closure comprises a panel and a rim. The rim detachably attaches the panel to an opening of the container. The panel substantially covers an opening in the container. The panel has a perimeter region and a central region. Gaps extend from the perimeter region to the central region. The gaps segregates the panel into panel sections, such that each panel section has freedom to bend, laterally flex, and fold in relation to the other sections. An aperture positions concentric to the panel and in communication with the gap. The aperture also has adjustable size and dimension, such that the aperture and the gap can conform to the shape and dimensions of the item for reception.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a segmented retention closurethat joins with a container for receiving, holding, dispensing, andorienting at least one item through at least one aperture and at leastone gap. More so, a segmented retention closure provides a panel and arim, wherein the rim is adapted to detachably attach the closure with acontainer, and at least one gap segregates the panel into a plurality ofpanel sections, and the gap is in communication with an aperture, suchthat the aperture and the panel sections change in shape and size toconform to the size and dimension of the item for receiving, holding,dispensing, and orienting the item.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof,to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

It is recognized that a storage bucket can be used to retain items.Often, these items can be stored and carried within specificallydesigned organizational containers. It is only natural that gardeningtools, cables, and baseballs be stored and transported similarly.Traditionally, buckets, tool boxes, caddies, racks, hangers, and shelveshave been used to store these items.

Often, tool and equipment organization allows for more efficient workactivities and more enjoyable leisure activities. For example, a jobsite or activity may be remote from the location of tool or equipmentstorage. A device organizing tools and or equipment generally saves theuser time. It is often desirable to have ready accessibility of the tooland or equipment. An organizing container may be a specifically designedcontainer or an existing container easily adapted to carry the neededitem, tool, equipment, accessory and the like.

It is known that existing containers, such as empty 5-gallon buckets,have long been use to carry tools, gardening implements, sportingequipment, cleaning supplies and the like. Buckets have been the focusof add-on devices to organize tools and equipment in or on the bucket.There are various coverings that fit in, on, around and or over a bucketand come with various configurations of openings and holding mechanisms.Most covers that are adapted for a five gallon bucket screw on to thebucket, clip to, or tie over the bucket.

Often, organizing containers are made for a single type of use and arenot adaptable for cross uses. Organizers for fishing supplies andpainting equipment exist, but are difficult to adapt for use in eachother's area or for any additional uses. Buying multiple organizingcontainers to hold items specific for each use is expensive and multipleorganizing containers consume space.

In many instances, the items fall out of the organizing containerinadvertently. Finding a lid that securely attaches to the opening inthe organizing container can be problematic. And even when a lid isfound, accessing the items inside requires removing the lid andreplacing it after obtaining the item. This can be time consuming,especially when time is of the essence.

Even though the above lids and caps address some of the needs of themarket, a segmented retention closure that joins with a container forreceiving, holding, dispensing, and orienting at least one item thatpasses through at least one aperture and at least one gap is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed towards a segmented retention closure thatjoins with a container for receiving, holding, dispensing, and orientingat least one item that passes through at least one aperture and at leastone gap. In one possible embodiment, the segmented retention closure,hereafter, “closure”, is a generally circular lid that is adapted todetachably attach to a five gallon bucket for enabling accessiblestorage, upright retention, and facilitated retrieval of at least oneitem, such as, but not limited to, general debris, a handle for agardening tool, a baseball, a baseball bat, and a spool of rope or wire,and a string of lights. The closure creates a synergy with thecontainer, such that the container can store the item, and the closurecan maintain the item inside the container while enabling facilitatedaccess to the item, and orienting the item in a desired position foraccess from outside the container.

The closure comprises a panel and a rim. The rim forms a flangedperimeter around the panel. The rim is adapted to detachably attach thepanel to an opening of the container. The rim may include an inner ridgethat forms various fastening mechanisms with the opening of thecontainer, including, without limitation, a snap fit fasteningmechanism, a threaded fastening mechanism, a magnetic fasteningmechanism, or an adhesive fastening mechanism. In any case, the rimenables secure, yet detachable attachment between the closure and thecontainer.

The panel is sized and dimensioned to substantially cover the opening ofthe container. The panel is defined by an outer face, an inner face, aperimeter region, and a central region. At least one gap extends fromthe perimeter region to the central region of the panel. The at leastone gap segregates the panel into a plurality of panel sections. The gapforms a break in the panel, such that each panel section has freedom tobend, laterally flex, and fold in relation to the other sections. Inthis manner, the gap is configured to conform to the shape anddimensions of the at least one item for receiving, holding, dispensing,and orienting the item.

In some embodiments, at least one aperture also forms in the panel. Theaperture may be concentrically disposed on the panel. In one embodiment,the aperture forms a terminus for the gap at the concentric region ofthe panel, whereby the gap and the aperture are in communication. Inthis configuration, the gap runs into an inner surface of the aperture,causing the aperture to be segmented in alignment with the gap. Thesegmented aperture may, then bend, laterally flex, and fold into itselfto conform to the shape and dimensions of the at least one item.

In one alternative embodiment, multiple apertures of various shapes anddimensions may be disposed anywhere along the panel. In any case, boththe gap and the aperture are sufficiently flexible so as to receive,retain, dispense, and orient the item. Though in one embodiment, onlythe aperture is used for receiving, retaining, dispensing, and orientingthe item.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a segmented retentionclosure for receiving, holding, dispensing, and orienting at least oneitem, comprises:

-   -   a panel, the panel defined by an outer face, an inner face, a        perimeter region, and a central region, the panel configured to        form a closure;    -   a rim, the rim adapted to form a perimeter around the panel;    -   at least one gap, the at least one gap disposed to extend from        the perimeter region to the central region of the panel, the at        least one gap configured to segregate the panel into a plurality        of panel sections, wherein the at least one gap enables each        panel section to bend, laterally flex, and fold in relation to        the other panel sections; and    -   at least one aperture, the at least one aperture defined by an        inner surface, the at least one aperture adapted to form a        terminus for the at least one gap at the central region of the        panel, wherein the at least one gap is configured to segregate        the inner surface of the at least one aperture, wherein the at        least one aperture is configured to bend, laterally flex, and        fold.

In a second aspect, the closure comprises a lid.

In another aspect, the closure is configured to detachably attach to acontainer.

In another aspect, the container is a five gallon bucket.

In another aspect, the panel is generally circular.

In yet another aspect, the panel has a diameter of about 11⅞ inches.

In yet another aspect, the rim comprises an inner ridge,

In yet another aspect, the inner ridge is configured to engage anopening in the container in a snap fit mating relationship.

In yet another aspect, the rim comprises a tab.

In yet another aspect, the tab enables facilitated detachment of thepanel from the container.

In yet another aspect, the tab is about ¾ inches wide.

In yet another aspect, the rim comprises an outer lip and a fin.

In yet another aspect, the at least one gap is about ⅛ inch wide.

In yet another aspect, the gap is configured to receive, hold, dispense,and orient at least one item.

In yet another aspect, the at least one item includes at least onemember selected from the group consisting of: general debris, a handlefor a gardening tool, a baseball, a baseball bat, and a spool of rope orwire, and a string of lights.

In yet another aspect, the at least one gap is curved.

In yet another aspect, the at least one gap has a radius of curvature ofabout 6⅛ inches.

In yet another aspect, the at least one aperture includes at least onemember selected from the group consisting of: holes, slots, slits,grooves, cut-outs, holes, and notches.

In yet another aspect, the at least one aperture has a diameter of about1 inch.

In yet another aspect, the closure is fabricated from a UV resistantplastic.

In yet another aspect, the at least one aperture is configured toreceive, hold, dispense, and orient the at least one item.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a closure thatmates with any variety of containers, such as five gallon buckets.

Another objective is to provide at least one aperture and at least onegap that are size adjustable for receiving and holding a variety ofitems having different shapes and dimensions.

Another objective is to provide at least one aperture that isconcentrically located on the panel, and sized and dimensioned toreceive a baseball, a handle for a gardening tool, and a string oflights.

Another objective is to provide variously shaped and dimensionedapertures to adapt to items with correlating shapes and dimensions.

Another objective is to provide a means for organized storage of atleast one item.

Another objective is to enable facilitated removal of the at least oneitem with minimal amount of force.

Another objective is to create at least one gap and a plurality of panelsections that forms a decorative effect for the closure.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understoodand appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to thefollowing written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an upper angle perspective view of an exemplary segmentedretention closure, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a lower angle perspective view of the segmented retentionclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the segmented retention closure, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the segmented retention closure, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectioned left side view of the segmented retention closure,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectioned right side view of the segmented retentionclosure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are a sectioned side views of the segmentedretention closure, where FIG. 7A is the section taken along section A-Aof FIG. 6, where FIG. 7B is the section taken along section B-B of FIG.6, and where FIG. 7C is the section taken along section C-C of FIG. 6,detailing a panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,”“lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” andderivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

FIGS. 1-7C illustrate a segmented retention closure 100 that joins witha container (not shown) for receiving, holding, dispensing, andorienting at least one item (not shown). In one embodiment, the itempasses through at least one aperture 118 and/or at least one gap 116 a-ethat form in the closure 100. The item may be retained by the aperture118 or gap 116 a-e in an accessible orientation partially from outsidethe container, or completely stored in the container with facilitatedaccess through the aperture 118 or gap 116 a-e of the segmentedretention closure 100. Thus, the segmented retention closure 100 createsa synergy with the container, wherein the container forms a storage forthe item, and the closure 100 enables orientation and organizationalaccess to the item.

In one possible embodiment, the segmented retention closure 100,hereafter, “closure 100”, comprises a panel 108 and a rim 102 that areconfigured to detachably attach over an opening in the container. Theclosure 100 is configured to substantially match the shape and dimensionof the opening in the container. In some embodiments, the container mayinclude, without limitation, a five gallon bucket, a wash bucket, abarrel, a box, a tub, a cup, and a golf club caddy.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the panel 108 is configured to substantiallycover an opening in the container. In one possible embodiment, the panel108 is substantially circular in shape and has a diameter of about 11⅞″.Though other shapes and diameters may be used. Suitable materials forthe panel 108 may include, without limitation, a UV resistant plastic,polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, a rigid polymer, fiberglass, wood, andmetal.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the rim 102 forms a flanged perimeter around thepanel 108. The rim 102 is adapted to detachably attach the panel 108 toan opening of the container. The rim 102 may include an inner ridge 104that forms various fastening mechanisms with the opening of thecontainer. In one embodiment, the inner ridge 104 forms a snap fitrelationship with a protruding member that extends from the opening inthe container. However, other mating relationships between the rim 102and the opening may include, without limitation, a threaded fasteningmechanism, a magnetic fastening mechanism, and an adhesive fasteningmechanism. In any case, the rim 102 enables secure, yet detachableattachment between the closure 100 and the container.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the rim 102 comprises a tab 106. The tab 106enables facilitated detachment of the panel 108 from the container. Inone embodiment, the tab 106 is generally semi-circular shaped and has awidth of about ¾″. In some embodiments, the rim 102 comprises an outerlip 122 and a fin that also help to secure the panel 108 to the thecontainer. Suitable materials for the rim 102 may include, withoutlimitation, a UV resistant plastic, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, arigid polymer, fiberglass, wood, and metal.

Looking at FIGS. 4 and 5, the panel 108 is sized and dimensioned tosubstantially cover the opening of the container. The panel 108 isdefined by an outer face 124, an inner face 126, a perimeter region 112,and a central region 114. At least one gap 116 a-e extends from theperimeter region 112 to the central region 114 of the panel 108. The atleast one gap 116 a-e segregates the panel 108 into a plurality of panelsections 110 a-e. In one embodiment, five gaps 116 a-e form five equallysized and dimensioned panel sections 110 a-e on the panel 108.

As the sectioned view of FIG. 6 illustrates, the gap 116 a-e forms abreak in the panel 108, such that each panel 108 section has freedom tobend, laterally flex, and fold in relation to the other sections. Inthis manner, the gap 116 a-e is configured to conform to the shape anddimensions of the item for receiving, holding, dispensing, and orientingthe item. In essence, the gap 116 a-e enables the panel 108 to be moreflexible and resilient. For example, a handle for a rake can squeezethrough the gap 116 a-e in a snug relationship.

In some embodiments, the gap 116 a-e forms a generally S-shape and has awidth of about ⅛″. This configuration forms generally star-shaped panelsections 110 a-e. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shapeand width of the gap 116 a-e may be adjusted to vary the flexibility ofthe panel sections 110 a-e, or to create a decorative effect on thepanel 108. Further, each gap 116 a-e may have a different width and/or adifferent shape.

In some embodiments, at least one aperture 118 also forms in the panel108. The aperture 118 includes an inner surface 120. The inner surface120 may include a resilient material that stretches to enable a hand oran elongated item to pass through. In one embodiment, the aperture 118forms a terminus for the gap 116 a-e at the concentric region of thepanel 108, whereby the gap 116 a-e and the aperture 118 are incommunication. For example, the aperture 118 is concentrically disposedon the panel 108. In this configuration, the gap 116 a-e runs into theinner surface 120 of the aperture 118, causing the aperture 118 to besegmented in alignment with the gap 116 a-e, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B,and 7C. The segmented aperture 118 may, then bend, laterally flex, andfold into itself to conform to the shape and dimensions of the at leastone item.

In one alternative embodiment, multiple apertures of various shapes anddimensions may be disposed anywhere along the panel 108. For example, asquare shaped aperture positions on one end of the panel 108, and acircular aperture forms on an opposite end of the panel 108. In anycase, both the gap 116 a-e and the aperture 118 are sufficientlyflexible so as to receive, retain, dispense, and orient the item. Thoughin one embodiment, only the aperture 118 may receive, retain, dispense,and orient the items. The aperture 118 may include, without limitation,a hole, a slot, a slit, a groove, a cut-out, and a notch.

In one exemplary operation of the closure 100, a lawn care professionalon a lawn mower carries a five gallon bucket and an attached closure 100on the back of a lawn mower. The lawn care professional can store anextendable grabber in the bucket. The grabber may be used to pick up thedebris and then deposit the debris into the five gallon bucket.

In another exemplary use, the closure 100 is efficacious for retainingbaseballs. In this manner, a user may reach into the aperture 118 andgrab a baseball from a plurality of baseballs. The baseballs will remainsecured in the container because of the closure 100 that covers theopening. In yet another alternative embodiment, the closure 100 combinedwith the container forms a novel storage for a string of lights, such asChristmas lights. The lights may be coiled into the container and thenpulled out in a neat and orderly fashion through the aperture 118. Inone possible embodiment, a first aperture can be used to extract thelights and a second aperture can be used to coil the lights into thecontainer.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalence.

What I claim is:
 1. A segmented retention closure for receiving,holding, dispensing, and orienting at least one item, the closurecomprising: a panel, the panel defined by an outer face, an inner face,a perimeter region, and a central region, the panel configured to form aclosure; a rim, the rim adapted to form a perimeter around the panel; atleast one gap, the at least one gap disposed to extend from theperimeter region to the central region of the panel, the at least onegap configured to segregate the panel into a plurality of panelsections, wherein the at least one gap enables each panel section tobend, laterally flex, and fold in relation to the other panel sections;and at least one aperture, the at least one aperture defined by an innersurface, the at least one aperture adapted to form a terminus for the atleast one gap at the central region of the panel, wherein the at leastone gap is configured to segregate the inner surface of the at least oneaperture, wherein the at least one aperture is configured to bend,laterally flex, and fold.
 2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the closureis configured to detachably attach to a container.
 3. The closure ofclaim 2, wherein the container is a five gallon bucket.
 4. The closureof claim 3, wherein the panel has a generally circular shape and has adiameter of about 11⅞ inches.
 5. The closure of claim 4, wherein the rimcomprises an inner ridge.
 6. The closure of claim 5, wherein the innerridge is configured to engage an opening in the container in a snap fitmating relationship.
 7. The closure of claim 6, wherein the rimcomprises a tab.
 8. The closure of claim 7, wherein the tab enablesfacilitated detachment of the panel from the container.
 9. The closureof claim 8, wherein the tab is about ¾ inches wide.
 10. The closure ofclaim 9, wherein the rim comprises an outer lip and a fin.
 11. Theclosure of claim 10, wherein the at least one gap is about ⅛ inch wide.12. The closure of claim 11, wherein the gap is configured to receive,hold, dispense, and orient at least one item.
 13. The closure of claim12, wherein the at least one item includes at least one member selectedfrom the group consisting of: general debris, a handle for a gardeningtool, a baseball, a baseball bat, a spool of rope or wire, and a stringof lights.
 14. The closure of claim 13, wherein the at least one gap isa curved S-shape.
 15. The closure of claim 14, wherein the at least onegap has a radius of curvature of about 6 ⅛ inches.
 16. The closure ofclaim 15, wherein the at least one aperture includes at least one memberselected from the group consisting of: a hole, a slot, a slit, a groove,a cut-out, and a notch.
 17. The closure of claim 16, wherein the atleast one aperture has a diameter of about 1 inch.
 18. The closure ofclaim 17, wherein the at least one aperture has an inner surface that isconfigured to receive, hold, dispense, and orient the at least one item.19. A segmented retention closure for receiving, holding, dispensing,and orienting at least one item, the closure comprising: a panel, thepanel defined by an outer face, an inner face, a perimeter region, and acentral region, the panel configured to form a closure; a rim, the rimadapted to form a perimeter around the panel; a tab, the tab disposed tojoin with the rim, the tab configured to enable facilitated manipulationof the panel; at least one gap, the at least one gap disposed to extendfrom the perimeter region to the central region of the panel, the atleast one gap configured to segregate the panel into a plurality ofpanel sections, wherein the at least one gap enables each panel sectionto bend, laterally flex, and fold in relation to the other panelsections; and at least one aperture, the at least one aperture definedby an inner surface, the at least one aperture adapted to form aterminus for the at least one gap at the central region of the panel,wherein the at least one gap is configured to segregate the innersurface of the at least one aperture, wherein the at least one apertureis configured to bend, laterally flex, and fold.
 20. A segmentedretention closure for receiving, holding, dispensing, and orienting atleast one item, the closure comprising: a container, the containerdefined by a sidewall, an open end, and a closed end; a panel, the paneldefined by an outer face, an inner face, a perimeter region, and acentral region, the panel configured to form a closure over the open endof the container; a rim, the rim defined by an inner ridge, the rimadapted to form a perimeter around the panel, the inner ridge configuredto engage the opening of the container in a snap fit matingrelationship; at least one gap, the at least one gap disposed to extendfrom the perimeter region to the central region of the panel, the atleast one gap configured to segregate the panel into a plurality ofpanel sections, wherein the at least one gap enables each panel sectionto bend, laterally flex, and fold in relation to the other panelsections; and at least one aperture, the at least one aperture definedby an inner surface, the at least one aperture adapted to form aterminus for the at least one gap at the central region of the panel,wherein the at least one gap is configured to segregate the innersurface of the at least one aperture, wherein the at least one apertureis configured to bend, laterally flex, and fold.